Portable Bluetooth speakers are a great idea for those who love to take their music with them on their travels. One of the best we've come across is the Jabra Solemate, a shock, dust, sweat and splash resistant device that has a quirky design.

The Solemate, as its name suggests, has been designed to look like the sole of a shoe. The bottom has a textured, rubber sole that immediately sets it apart from competing devices. The sole actually serves a purpose, too. When placed on a flat surface it prevents the speaker from slipping or sliding around.

The Jabra Solemate is shock, dust, sweat and splash resistant. The company says the Solemate's size and weight is comparable to a 500ml bottle of water and that's about spot on.

The Solemate's size and weight is comparable to a 500ml bottle of water. It's available in black and white models.

The Jabra Solemate allows up to eight Bluetooth devices to be connected to it including smartphones, tablets and Bluetooth equipped portable music players. It also features a standard 3.5mm audio cable connection for non Bluetooth devices, neatly stored in the bottom when its not being used.

Sound quality is reasonably impressive considering the size of the unit. The Solemate produces enough sound to fill a medium sized room with no problems, but raising the volume to near maximum level results in a tinny and distorted sound. Bass response is impressive.

The Solemate, as its name suggests, has been designed to look like the sole of a shoe.

A built-in speakerphone function means the Solemate can also be used to handle voice calls if connected to a mobile phone or smartphone. The sound is on par with what you would get from the built-in speakerphone on most smartphones.

Connecting the Solemate is an easy process, aided by audible voice alerts like "Solemate is connected". A voice button on top of the device also reads out battery alerts. Once an initial connection is made, the speaker will automatically connect to your device when it is turned on.

The Solemate includes a standard 3.5mm audio jack in addition to Bluetooth connectivity.

Jabra says the Solemate's internal battery will last for up to eight hours of continuous music playback before needing to be recharged.

A nice touch is the specially designed, durable sound bag that's included with the Solemate. It protects the speaker from the elements but its design allows the sound to get through.

The Jabra Solemate is sold through selected retailers in Australia for $199.

The screen was particularly good. It is bright and visible from most angles, however heat is an issue, particularly around the Windows button on the front, and on the back where the battery housing is located.

My first impression after unboxing the Q702 is that it is a nice looking unit. Styling is somewhat minimalist but very effective. The tablet part, once detached, has a nice weight, and no buttons or switches are located in awkward or intrusive positions.

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